Vascular Duplex Ultrasounds

Lower Extremity Arterial Evaluation:

An Ultrasound exam performed on the arteries in the legs to evaluate blockages and narrowing from atherosclerosis (plaque), and determine blood flow. People with arterial disease generally experience pain while exercising/walking (claudication), and pain/numbness in the feet at night, among other symptoms.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Exam (AAA):

An Ultrasound exam performed on the abdominal aorta and iliac arteries to determine the presence of aneurysms. The exam is also used to monitor aneurysm size over time, before and after treatment. Abdominal aortic aneurysms are most often asymptomatic (no symptoms) and are discovered during a screening, or from a different examination.

Bypass Graft Exam:

An Ultrasound exam performed on a bypass graft and its inflow and outflow arteries to determine the presence of narrowing and blockages, and to evaluate blood flow. People with a failed or failing bypass graft in the leg may experience pain while exercising/walking (claudication), and pain/numbness in the feet at night, among other symptoms.

Extracranial Cerebrovascular Exam (Carotid):

An Ultrasound exam performed on the carotid arteries to determine the presence of blockage or narrowing due to atherosclerosis (plaque). People with carotid artery disease may have had a previous stroke, or symptoms associated with stroke or TIA (transient ischemic attack) such as a sudden disturbance in vision, dizziness, and one sided numbness/weakness in the leg or arm, among other symptoms.

Lower Extremity Venous Reflux Exam:

An Ultrasound exam performed on the veins in the legs to evaluate the function of the vein valves. Vein valves help increase the return of blood to the heart from the legs. Damage to vein valves can lead to venous insufficiency, which results from the vein’s inability to sufficiently return blood to the heart from the legs. People with venous insufficiency may have long-term swelling in the calf and ankle, skin discoloration (redness), leg pain, and varicose veins (large veins that bulge on the surface of the skin). The exam also determines the presence of new and old DVT.

Lower Extremity Venous Exam (DVT):

An Ultrasound exam performed on the veins in the legs to determine the presence or absence of blood clots, known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). People with DVT may experience and complain of a sudden onset of swelling and pain in the legs.

Dialysis Access Exam:

An Ultrasound exam performed on a dialysis access fistula or graft to determine the presence of narrowing or blockage from thrombus and scar tissue, and to evaluate the amount of blood flow. People with a failing dialysis access may present with a decreased or absent thrill (buzzing felt at the beginning of the fistula/graft), and decreased flow rates at dialysis, among other indications.

Renal Vascular Exam:

An Ultrasound exam performed on the arteries that supply blood flow to the kidneys (renal arteries) and the arteries within the kidneys, to determine the presence of narrowing or blockage from atherosclerosis (plaque), and evaluate the blood flow to the kidneys. People with renal-vascular disease may present with uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension), or to follow up a renal artery procedure.

Mesenteric Vascular Exam:

An Ultrasound exam performed on the mesenteric arteries that supply blood to the larger and small intestinal organs. This ultrasound is to determine the presence of narrowing or blockage from atherosclerosis (plaque), and to evaluate blood flow to the intestinal organs. People with mesenteric artery disease may present with pain in the abdomen after eating, extreme weight loss without trying to lose weight, and “food-fear” (lack of desire to eat due to the pain it causes).

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